Mucosal thickening in allergic and idiopathic rhinitis mucosa and its probable mechanism.

Background: Rhinitis is a prevalent condition characterized by nasal mucosal irritation. Conflicting studies suggest that the mucosa of patients with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis undergoes thickening.

Objectives: To investigate mucosal epithelial thickening in allergic and idiopathic rhinitis and to determine if the mechanism is a consequence of altered proliferation or apoptosis.